A Whole New Mind!

Recap of the iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Nine: “Meaning”

 

Dr. Harvill Eaton, President of Cumberland University, was our guest discussion leader for the chapter on “Meaning.”  He admitted that he had not really given such philosophical issues much thought recently.  He recalled taking a Philosophy class in college and how he was influenced by this experience and by his professors.  Dr. Eaton related to us that he has a connection to many of the people mentioned in the chapter.  He wondered about his own life’s path contemplated how he was pulled back into a small college environment, perhaps due to the values which he finds meaningful. 

Dr. Eaton thought the topic, “meaning,” was a difficult one and posed a series of questions for the group to ponder. 

What is meant by “meaning?” 

Is there an absolute definition of meaning?

If there is meaning, what is it? 

 

As the group explored these questions, our discussion led us to think about the works of scientists and philosophers, such as Siddhartha, Thoreau, Hume, the Dali Lama, Einstein, and others who have contributed their knowledge and wisdom to these

unanswerable questions.

We considered a quote in the book from Dr. Lauren Artess, an Episcopal priest and labyrinth pioneer:  

“We are not human beings on a spiritual path,

but spiritual beings on a human path.”